Conference marvin::uk_music

    
>    I wasn't around at the time (10 years old) and don't know much about
				  ------------

    Digital's programmers are getting younger all the time ;-)
    
    
    
    
    				Jamie.

    "Meet David Bowie and Iggy Pop ......" 
                   
    Hmmmmm, you *heard* that there was supposed to be an LP!!! Anything
    in the press about this band touring etc. is anyone's guess.  They
    were supposed to tour about a year after "Electric Caf" came out,
    but .... I can't remember reading much about them in the last few
    years.  I think N.M.E. interviewed them, when 'Electric Cafe' came
    out.  There seems to be very little around in print. 
                                                           
    'Tour De France' 12" is worth getting for the re-mix. 
                                                           
    'Pocket Calculater' 12" has a track on one side which is very, very
    rap oriented.  No wonder Kraftwerk have been quoted many times as a
    big influence. 
                                                           
    'Ralf and Florian' is a pre-Kraftwerk album that is quite good,
    although you might pay a fair price these days - long since deleted.
    Shows some Floyd influences. 

    There are other pre-Autobahn platters, and 'Electrokinetic' might
    include these; I know they did release two togther later on as a
    cheapie.
    
    'Excelor 8' (I think!) was a compilation of their pre-Autobahn
    stuff.
                                                           
    'Trans Europe Express' is one of their finest - no doubt.  Check out
    'The Hall Of Mirrors', and, of course, the title track. 
                                                           
    I have seen them.  1982 at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.  This
    was at the time of 'Computer World', when 'Pocket Calculator' was a
    big hit.  Great show, with all the promo clips they did for 'Trans
    Europe Express' and 'Radio Activity'. 
                               
    I did like 'Electric Cafe' a lot, although I thought the first side
    (3 songs which are combined into 1) was a bit self indulgent. 
                 
    David.    

    RE. 2 Thanks
    
    RE. 1 Jamie, I'm not a programmer!
    
    I'm not sure, but I *think* I was told they invented the synth.
    
    
    Mattyb

    RE .3
    
    Don't think they invented the synth, but they sure used 'em a lot. They
    also used drum 'pads' instead of real skins.
    
    Neil Young's 'Trans' album certainly shows many Kraftwerk influences.
    Yeh, that's what I said .... Neil Young!!!!!
    
    I wish they'd do another album!
    
    David.
    

    I thought Neil Young was a country joe type!

    re .5    I'd keep quiet about that observation if I were you...

    Hey, I'll take on all comers :-)
                                    
    Weeeellllll, he did make a country album, which was called 'Old Ways';
    not 'knock you right out straight away' stuff, but very good. He also
    toured with a country band - played Live Aid with one too.  
                                                                
    Anyone, this is straying from the path slightly.
    
    Come on, there must be more fans of this influencial band out there.
    
    David.
                

    Well I did have the album with "Autobahn" a couple of years back.

    But as I have no more info I didn't want to use up disk space.

    What ??

    I have ??

    Oh well...

    - Me (only trying to be helpful...)

    PS Were Yello, in any way, influenced by them ?? I've only heard a
       little of their music but they seem to be (playfully) obsessed with
       gadgetry...

    
    Re.3:
    
    I thought Dr Robert Moog invented the synth.
                                                      Carl B*)

    RE .8
    
    Yes, the connection with Yellow crossed my mind too.  I've not heard
    that much Yello stuff, but I don't think that there is a great
    influence there.
    
    David.
    

    I've heard a lot of Yello stuff, but I don't think it's in the same
    mold as Kraftwerk.  Yello use trumpets and such, while Kraftwerk are
    more subtle.
    
    I also prefer Kraftwerk!
    
    
    Mattyb

    RE. -1
    
    Agree, Yello seem to have a more varied style than Kraftwerk.
    
    Guess it's time to start getting them on the turntable again!
    
    David.
    

    I've had a mad Kraftwerk session this last week.
    
    Bought a new copy of 'Man Machine'; old one was rather crackly. Great
    sound - especially 'Neon Lights'.
    
    Also, played 'Autobahn' for the first time in years; the title track
    still stands up well, although it is a little repetitive in places. The
    other side has widely differening tracks, from bird sounds to straight
    synth/drum pad stuff.
    
    'Electric Cafe' I played really loud.  This album must be the most
    commercial they have done.  All three numbers on side two have great
    pop songs in the middle somehwere.  I still feel that the first
    side is a little over indulgent, but there's a lot going on in.
                                 
    I;ve seen 'Exceller 8' advertised, so I might go after it.  It's
    a covers the Vertigo years (first 4 albums, I think).
                                 
    I would've bought a new copy of 'Trans Europe Express', but you
    know Our Price.  This should be one of the 'Fame' re-releases, and
    therefore about five pounds.  So, I'm on the lookout for that; vinyl
    of course.                   
                                 
    'Autobahn' is now full price and has a different cover then the blue
    'Motorway' sign original.    
                                 
    Anyone know what's out on CD?
    
    I'm tempted to write to 'Fred Fact' in NME to find out what the
    hell has been happening over the last five years!!!!
    
    David
    

    I just got `Computer World' taped.
    
    It's amazing how much it sounds like the Cookie Crew or the Beatmaters!
    
    Years ahead of their time or what?
    
    
    Mattyb

    Re 15:
    
    The Cookie Crew and the Beatmasters have both used samples from
    Krafwerk stuff....So have many other housey style groups I've heard.
    
    ..Craig
    

    RE: .15/.16
    
    You said it!
    
    I phoned up today about 'Exceller 8', and they've also got 'Ralf
    and Florian' (the one before 'Autobahn').  Looks like I'll be splashing
    out!!
    
    Anyone got 'Kraftwerk', their first two albums coupled together
    for UK release?                          
                     
    What about pre-Kraftwerk - Organisation and Tone Float; anyone know
    much about these?
    
    I remember when they played 'Pocket Calculator' live, one of the
    band moved towards the front of the audience with ... you guessed
    it, a pocket calculator.  He let some of the audience press a few
    buttons, and the beeps and buzzes came out!!!
    
    I've also played 'Radio Activity' for the first time in eons.  The
    first side seems to carry on from 'Autobahn'; there are some strong
    melodies and it's fairly commercial.  The second side moves away from
    this, and a lot more into radio transmission/reception noises. Still
    a good sound.
    
    For what it's worth, the band sold the rights of 'Autobahn' to
    Phonogram for $2000, so they didn't directly benefit from the success
    of the album, especially in the US, where FM radio picked up on
    the single in a big way.
         
    David.

    David,
    
    If you get any of the early or rare Kraftwerk stuff could you give
    track listings.  I want to get my hands on as many songs and mixes as I
    can, but don't want to pay out much.
    
    Can anyone note the full discography?
    
    Also have you heard Erasure.  A lot of their b-sides use the same
    sampled vocals as Kraftwerk did.  Also try ang get hold of Bomb The
    Bass - `Say a Little Prayer' 12".  The b-side, `10 seconds to
    terminate' uses the same bass line as `The Man Machine', and has the
    same sampled vocals, and is a good acid track.
    
    
    matty

    It's amazing how much stuff there is about which is influence by
    or use samples of Kraftwerk.
    
    First pass at Discography (UK LPs):
    
    Kraftwerk			1972	(Phillips - first two German
    					 LPs released together in UK)
    Ralf and Florian		1973	(Vertigo)
    Autobahn			1974	(Vertigo)
    Exceller 8			1975	(Vertigo - compilation)
    Radio Activity		1975	(Capitol)
    Trans-Europe Express	1977	(Capitol)
    Man Machine			1978	(Capitol)
    Computer World		1981	(EMI)
    Electric Cafe		1984	(EMI)
    
    David.

    You missed `Telekinetic'
    
    How about the singles.  I have the Guiness Book Of Hit Singles, but it
    only contains records that made the top 75.
    
    I gunna try and get hold of the first LP, but I reckon it's gunna be
    difficult.  If anyone see's it on sale, could you put a note?
    
    
    
    Mattyb

    
  
    �  You missed `Telekinetic'
    
    Tell me more about this - year, label etc.  I think I've heard of
    it before, but?????
    
    Singles are tricky, as they've released mucho on 12" as extended
    re-mixes etc.
    
    David.
    

    I will try to get a track listing as I know a few people who have it.
    
    I do know it has a white cover, an 8 minute version of `Autobahn', one
    of the `Komotenmelodie' (*sp*), and another four tracks which are
    boring.
    
    
    Mattyb (good night)
    

    RE: -1
    
    Sounds like a compilation.
    
    Sent off for 'Exceller 8' and 'Ralf And Florain' today.  Will post
    track details when I get 'em (by return of post I hope).
                                                              
    I'll also probably get the new Autobahn (fresh cover, that is),
    and 'Computer World', which I don't have - just 12" of 'Pocket
    Calculator'.                                              
                                                              
    Listening to 'Man Machine' last night; still sounds great.

    David.
    

    I have `Man Machine', `Radio Activity', `Computer World' & `Electric
    Cafe' in the way of LPs.
    
    I prefer `Radio Activity' - I just love the title track (especially the
    lyrics), and `Ohm Sweet Ohm'.
    
       "Radio activity,
    	It's in the air for you and me,
    	Radio activity,
    	Discovered by madame Curie."
    
    Brilliant!
    
    
    Matty

    Could anyone tell me which album 'Music non stop' is on and if it is
    available on 12"...
    
    Thanks in advance, 
    Craig.

    
    re.: 586.25
    
    Hi Craig,
    
    I remeber a friend, who has a Kraftwerk CD which also contains the
    title "Boing Boom Chack". I think "Music Non Stop" is on the same
    CD. So if you like, I'll check it out.
    
    |PETER|
    

    
    It is on Electric Caf�. Dunno about the 12", but the first side of the
    LP is basically all one track, even though it notionally has three
    sections.

    `Musique Non Stop' is available on 12".  It has 2 mixes on it.
    
    Wanted: Any Kraftwerk LP's from before `Autobahn', plus I'm after the
    compilation - `Elecktrokinetic'.  If any one has any of these could you
    mail me on the above NODE::USERNAME.
    
    
    matty 7851-3671

    Thanks all, I know what to look for now!
    
    ..Craig

    
    I noticed in the NME today that Kraftwerk have a new album out next
    month called "Mix", and "The Robots" has been released as a `new'
    single. Hmph. I bought it when it *was* a new single, 13 years ago !
    There are also some tour dates in July.
    
    Does anyone know whether the album is just re-MIXes, or does it contain
    new stuff ?
    
    Trevor

    Geez, I might just be forced to buy my first records for 2 weeks ;-)
    
    matty

    
    I called up EMI, and got my question answered. The album does consist
    of remixes, done by Die Mensch themselves. I guess I'll buy it anyway.
    
    Trevor
    

	I bought THE MIX a while ago and i find it very,very good.
	I just love these old songs with the 90's mix, especially 
	pocket calculator and dentaku mixed together.



		Jack

    Radioactivity still blows me away, both the old mix and new.  They
    should have released it as the single instead of The Robots.
    
    Did anyone see them live?  I have a friend who said they were
    excellent.
    
    
    matty

    THE MIX  is a totally incredible L.P. . I question their descision not
    to include/update The Model,Tour de France and Showroom Dummies but I
    suppose there's already 60-something munutes of music already there.
     The remix of Trans Europe Express/Abzug/Metal on Metal is
    marvellous.Anyone who remotely likes Kraftwerk (or likes to dance)
    really ought to get this. It's really fleshed their stuff out.
     They're also doing a couple of live U.K. dates but thats no good to me
    'cos I'm Irish........
    
    
     

    The following is the track listing of THE MIX:
    
         1. THE ROBOTS
    
         2. COMPUTER LOVE
    
         3. POCKET CALCULATOR
    
         4. DENKATAU
    
         5. AUTOBAHN
    
         6. RADIOACTIVITY
    
         7. TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS
    
         8. ABZUG
    
         9. METAL ON METAL
    
        10. HOME COMPUTER
    
        11. MUSIC NON-STOP
    
    
     GO BUY IT
    
           NIALLY.

    I thought most of the LP was a bit static in comparison with the older
    LP's.
    
    For instance, `Musique Non Stop' was almost the same as the version off
    Electric Cafe.  And they didn't include any new material (I know these
    are new recordings, but there not new tracks).
    
    Previously their LP's moved music forward because of their influence,
    whereas the Mix seems to be following other people's influences.  I don't
    mean they're following the mainstream.  But listen to some hardcore
    Techno.  Some of these artists (such as those on the Warp label) are
    real innovators.  They carried on from where Electric Cafe left us. 
    The new LFO LP is a good example.
    
    I have a hell of a lot of respect for Kraftwerk and I never get tired
    of there older stuff, but after about 20 listens The Mix becomes one of
    the crowd.  Any LP where I have to Fast Foward through tracks is just
    run of the mill.
    
    
    matty

    
    re.: a few
    
    >has anyone seen them live?
    
    I haven't seen them live. But recently I've read, that they're planning
    to a world tour at one day. They will do a concert in Japan, USA,
    Germany, England and elsewere too. Together at one day. Those concert
    will be performed by their robots. They're also planning a world wide
    TV transfer of those shows, while theirselves are sitting at home,
    watching that show! So that is possibly no joke.
    Those words came from the German MME. I can't believe that.
    
    But, I also believed, that they're totally electric, back in the 70s.
    So we will see, what they're realy going to do.
    
    |PETER|_humanly
    

    
    I went to see them at the Brixton Academy a couple of weeks ago. I
    thought they were OK, but not as good as when I saw them in 1981.
    They really have the most bizarre stage show. 
    
    Ralf and Florian have disposed of their two original percussionists,
    and they now have a new percussionist and another keyboard player. The
    stage set mainly consists of their studio, which is all mounted in
    various consoles, which they stand amongst.
    
    The tracks are largely pre-recorded, and they just play a few parts
    live. Ralf does some of the voices and some keyboards and effects.
    Florian just stands around looking bored stiff, occasionally twiddling
    a knob to no obvious effect. The two un-named guys provide some of the
    rhythm track.
    
    They have a set of video screens at the back showing various
    appropriate images (e.g. bikes during Tour de France, trains during
    Trans Europe Express...). For the Robots, the stage starts off
    completely empty, and after a while the video screens disappear to
    reveal the robots that were in the video, doing their stuff. For Pocket
    Calculator, they all come to the front of the stage with these little
    electronic boxes, which they invite the audience to press the buttons
    on and make wacky bleeping noises. This was the most animated that they
    were all evening.
    
    All in all it was interesting, but I'm not sure that I'd bother to go
    next time, if there is one.
    
    Trevor

Hi,
    Does anybody know why Kraftwerk cancelled the U.S. leg of their tour???
They were scheduled to perform at the Berkely Performing Arts Center in 
Boston, MA (which is the show I was planning on going to) last week and I 
got word that they cancelled their whole U.S. tour.  Anybody know why???

   I've recently gone on a Kraftwerk record/CD buying binge and have a 
pretty good collecction going now and was looking forward to seeing them 
live - but alas - they are probably back in germany by now!

Any info would be appreciated.

thanks, 
        Tim

    I heard that the band broke up.
    
    Hard to picture, I know. Maybe they all insisted on speaking different
    network protocols or something...
    
    Ray

      
      A member of Kraftwerk, maybe Ralf H�tter, has left the band a few
      weeks ago. It seems that they have totaly splitted up, than.
      But I'm not sure, about the splitting. But they have canceled the
      whole World tour. Not only the USA.
      
      If I'll get any more news, I'll put them in here.
      
      I hope this is with your minds.
      
      |PETER|

    Peter,
           Thanks for that info.  I was not aware that the whole World Tour 
    had been cancelled - I thought the U.S. leg only was cut out.  If the
    band is truly broken up I will be disappointed - I really was looking
    forward to seeing them perform live!  If you get anymore information
    please keep me (us) posted - I am very interested in any info on the
    band!
    
    Thanks again,
                  Tim
    

      
      Tim,
      
      I think, that I do have the Magazine, in which I've read the infor-
      mation about Kraftwerk, still at home.
      I'll read this again, to make you up to date. But you have to wait
      until Monday. I'll be back, than.
      
      |PETER|

    Peter,
           Thanks for looking into it - I look forward to hearing from you
    on Monday!
    
    
    Tim

      
      Tim,
      
      as I've already told you. One Member has left the band. They've
      canceled the whole world tour. And they have, maybe, splitted up.
      
      I'll let you know, if I hear any news on that.
      
      Sorry I wasn't back, yesterday. But I'm in Berlin at the moment and
      didn't found a chance, to put any line in here. Sorry.
      
      |PETER|